Chapter 17
When Heather arrived back at the Council, she found Daniel waiting for her just inside the door. They found a place to sit together in the crowded room and listened quietly while the guild members brought forth their proposals. It seemed a messy process to Heather compared to the order and structure of her father's court, but it was the way of the Forest. Methods of obtaining the needed supplies and transporting them took most of the afternoon. It was only as the sun was setting that their attention returned to Heather when she was asked, "Heather of the Northern Kingdom what other assistance do you require of us as you complete your planning?"
Heather arose and with less trepidation than in her first Council meeting, spoke up, saying, "You of the Forest plan well. We face a hard time and only if all our peoples work together do we have any hope to survive the invasion we face. I would a small delegation return with Stan, our new found ally, and explore more fully the route of the planned invasion. His people have suffered much and yet they may be able to provide some assistance in weakening the enemy as he approaches the ice field. No trace of their passage must remain."
This request was quickly agreed to and the hunters’ guild accepted responsibility for the task. Heather than continued, "Those who have experience on the ice tell us it will be at least six weeks before an army could cross: I would be prepared in four weeks. The old priest would that we spent more time in study of the cave of knowledge, and perhaps this can proceed while the delegation explores the land and routes of those left behind. If it is possible to revisit the cave of knowledge, I would that the signal cave, which is connected through the crack in the rocks, be more fully explored and the time of the smoke determined. This could be the warning signal we need."
The discussion went on much longer but again the request was granted. When the Council asked if Heather needed anything else, she replied, "I would have your prayers to the God of the Sacred Water. I would also have those of the Forest who sailed with me, and now remain in the Northern Kingdom, return here to the Forest. If they could bring me news of my father, my heart would rest easier."
When her request was granted, Heather said, "I will write a letter to my father explaining the danger we face and how they must prepare." When asked if the Northern Kingdom would come to their aid, Heather was silent for several minutes before replying. She said, "The army of the north is yet held captive by the weather. I would expect the invasion of the Southern Kingdom or possibly of both kingdoms to occur simultaneously with the invasion of the Forest. Those of the other kingdoms cannot travel as do those of the Forest and would deprive us of our ability to strike and retreat. I think it best if the Forest is defended by those who know of the spirits and of the land."
Daniel and Heather left the Council and walked quietly back to the small cottage they were staying in. Daniel asked, "If we are to be ready in four weeks, what would you do next?" Heather replied, "I would spend the time taking long walks in the woods with you, my husband." Daniel stopped and gave her a big hug saying, "I think you plan well my love." Heather smiled and asked, "Could we not return to Issip for at least two weeks? I could work with those of the village who know of the spirits while you do your healing."
Daniel walked quietly for several minutes before replying, "For you to be prepared for the thinness of the air on the ice field it would be best for you to spend time in the thin air. I think we could spend the two weeks at Issip but then would have to move immediately to higher elevation so you would have time to adapt. Your adaption this time should be much faster because of your previous experience." Heather said, "You mean that I will not have to work as a beast of burden turning your grinding wheel just so that I can breathe?"
Daniel was about to explain to her again why it was necessary but she interrupted him by giving him a long kiss which was ended by Jeremy saying, "Are you two going to stand out there all night and kiss or are you going to come in and get something to eat?" They removed their capes as they entered the crowded tavern and were soon caught up in the stories.
The sun was not yet up and Daniel and Heather were finishing their packing when Jeremy showed up carrying fresh bread for the breaking of the fast. He said, "Figured I had better come along just to make sure Daniel didn't get you lost." Daniel began to protest that he was perfectly capable of finding his way home, but Heather interrupted saying, "Jeremy, as always you are more than welcome and we would enjoy your company." Daniel added, "Just not too much of it."
Jeremy looked grievously injured responding, "My soul bleeds from the barbs you thrust at me. But I am hungry, so let's eat." With a laugh the fast was broken and the journey home begun. When they arrived home, a fresh fire was burning in the hearth and the stoop had been shoveled free of snow. Jeremy left immediately for the tavern, but Heather and Daniel spent some time just enjoying their home. Hunger finally convinced them to join their friend and an evening of storytelling.
The next morning, just as Daniel began his work as a healer, a young woman dressed in the guild of the hunters knocked on their door. When Heather opened the door the young woman spoke, "I am Edna of Issip. We have been told that you would learn more of the spirits of the Forest." Heather tried to invite her in but Edna refused, saying, "Your Daniel has much work to do. Let us go to the quilting room."
Heather nodded and went to retrieve her cape, telling Daniel that she was going with Edna. Daniel responded, "Ask her how her knee is feeling. I will see you for the evening meal."
Heather repeated Daniel's question and Edna smiled saying, "I am not yet able to journey far but have been able to hunt some." Heather could see no evidence of a limp and, as always, had trouble keeping up with those of the Forest. They arrived at a small stone building near the center of the village that resembled a small church from her homeland. As they entered, several more women introduced themselves and Heather had trouble remembering their names. They were working as a group on large quilt with a very complex pattern. Heather wanted to ask the purpose of the quilt but felt somewhat intimidated by the camaraderie she was witnessing. She was asked if she sewed and Heather responded, "Only a very little, I prefer to embroider."
One of the older ladies dressed in the guild of the traders handed her square of cloth and said, "Here is a square, embroider what you would." Heather took the square of fabric and ran it through her fingers. It was finely woven wool with just the lightest shade of green. She objected, "I have not a pattern to follow."
Another of the ladies said, "If you would know of the spirits of the Forest you must first learn to open your mind. Let your fingers do the work and the image will develop by itself. Do not force it; it is already there. You must simply allow it to appear." With this simple instruction, Heather was indoctrinated into the quilting group. A youth, no longer child but not yet a young woman, brought Heather a needle and thread. Their discussion soon turned to storytelling and it was not long until she was asked for the story of her meeting Daniel. Heather had meant the story to be short but it seemed as if the group somehow amplified the experience and by the time she was done, the morning had passed.
Edna spoke up saying, "A story well told. Seems we have been negligent in our time-keeping and it is now past midday mealtime. We would you break bread with us."
Heather hesitated not, and joined them for bread and soup. Much discussion was of people Heather did not recognize but she found herself enjoying the time. When they returned to work, Heather was surprised to realize that her embroidery outline was of the amulet Daniel had first given her. When others asked her what the object was, she explained the significance. This gave her the opportunity of asking the group about Daniel's grandfather. The afternoon gave way as she heard the stories. Darkness was falling before she and Edna returned to her home. Edna asked, "Should I return on the morrow?"
Heather replied, "After the breaking of the fast. I have much enjoyed my day."
Daniel was not yet done with his work and Heather busied
herself cleaning the already clean cottage. When Daniel was finished they had but little time to themselves before Jeremy showed up saying, "I heard the stew was really good tonight, let us go eat. And besides, I'm thirsty!"
Daniel replied, "You go ahead, I must finish cleaning up. Make sure you save me a glass of ale."
Jeremy shook his head saying, "It would seem as if your priorities are backwards, choosing cleaning over ale. But if you so choose, so be it." Turning to Heather he said, "You are welcome to escape the cleaning and join us now."
Heather gave him a very genuine smile saying, "It would be best if I helped Daniel, otherwise he may not finish before the food is done. We cannot have him die of starvation now, can we." Jeremy had to agree and said he would save them some food and ale. As Jeremy left tears formed in Heather's eyes and Daniel asked her if she really wanted to go to the tavern now. She shook her head no and after a moment explained, "I have never known such friendship as you have with your Jeremy. My tears are tears of joy."
The days went quickly and Heather learned much about the Forest but the spirits of the Forest remained hidden from her. On the eleventh day just as she and Daniel were leaving for the evening meal, a small troop arrived at their cottage. It was those of the Forest returning from the Northern Kingdom, and with them was the guard whose wife's name was Martha, and Betty. Heather's joy of seeing those with whom she had fought and now considered her friends radiated in her face. After much welcoming Heather asked, "What of Larby and of my father?"
Betty's face took on the appearance of a court diplomat as she carefully removed a letter from her small bag and handed it to Heather. She said, "Larby follows with the others. Your father told me to give you this letter and report that he is doing well with his strength well returned. His queen also sends her love and reports that she is again with child."
Daniel interrupted asking, "Is she taking the sacred water?"
While Daniel continued his questions, Heather opened the letter and read silently of her father’s struggles with those of questionable loyalty and of his military planning. The final paragraph read, "I pray to the God of the Sacred Water that you and your Daniel will remain safe during the hard times we face. I know in my heart that you will do what you must do, but I fear so for your safety. I miss you terribly and look forward to the day we can again be as a family. With love, your father."
The tears were flowing and Daniel asked, "Is your father all right?"
Heather responded, "His recovery continues and he sends us his love. My tears are of his love. Enough of this, let us get our guests fed."
The tavern was filled with those of the village who all wanted to meet those of the stories they had heard. Elrod handled the attention fairly well but Betty seemed overwhelmed. Finally she stood and said, "I need a little room to breathe." Everyone pulled back a little, creating some space. She continued, "I am one of the little people and did what I could do to help. I am not big and strong, nor very smart. I did only what was asked of me and what my heart told me was right. Those of you of the Forest have given me the greatest of gifts, my son shall grow normally and be a citizen. For this I thank you and now I ask that I hear your story."
The room remained silent for a minute until one of the village elders spoke up saying, "Betty of the little people, you speak well. I wish you to know that we of the Forest welcome you with open hearts. You have wisdom and courage and our debt to you is beyond measure. Now let your wish be granted and the stories begin."
The evening was late before they returned to the cottage, which was now overflowing. After the morning ritual and the breaking of the fast, Betty accompanied Heather to the quilting room. Heather worked to complete her embroidery and Betty watched and listened without saying anything. It was late in the afternoon when she announced, "The others are arriving."
Heather asked, "How do you know this."
Betty looked puzzled and asked, "Is it not so?
An older lady of the traders’ guild spoke up, saying, "It is so. Betty of the little people, you hear well. The spirits of the Forest are strong within you. Listen well to your heart and be afraid not to what you hear."
As they were returning to their cottage, Heather asked Edna, "Did you also know of the arrival of the others?"
Edna replied, "I knew only that there was a change. When our Betty found the words then I to knew what the change was."
"You were able to see Betty's thoughts?"
"No not her thoughts, but rather somehow the image forming in her mind allowed my mind to finally form the picture which had been so unclear."
"Is it possible to directly communicate using the spirits of the Forest?"
They had almost finished their return to the cottage before Edna replied, "For me the spirits only brighten the images which seem to arise from my intuition. I know not how to communicate with this skill."
Heather replied, "Edna of Issip, in the short time I have known you, you have become almost like the sister I never had. In my heart there's a feeling that the spirits of the Forest will be essential in the hard days ahead. I only wish I knew of them myself. We leave on the morrow for the ice field. I will miss your friendship and counseling."
Edna replied, "Heather of the Northern Kingdom you and I are not sisters, but now are cousins by marriage and this brings contentment to my heart. I will be leaving with you on the morrow."
"But what of your knee?"
"My knee is what it is. I will be able to keep up with those of you not of the Forest. My bow remains true and I expect will be needed."
Heather and Betty had no sooner hung up their capes than Heather asked Daniel, "Why did you not tell me that Edna was your cousin?"
Daniel had a very puzzled look on his face and responded, "Edna is my mother's brother’s daughter, so yes, we are cousins. Why would I have thought to have told you this?"
"Because it is important. Besides, I now understand why I feel such a closeness to her."
Daniel shrugged his shoulders and not knowing what else to say replied, "Jeremy is waiting for us at the tavern."
The evening grew long with the storytelling and it was late before Daniel and Heather climbed into their bed. Daniel was almost instantly asleep but Heather's mind was racing. Talking to Daniel at night was an exercise in futility, even when he responded she could not be sure he was actually awake. He awoke instantly when someone needed healing but otherwise enjoyed the sleep of the innocent. His gentle snoring gradually relaxed her and she was able to focus her mind on the issue most immediate: what to do with Larby. Separating him from Betty would be hard, but she knew Betty would insist on coming with her and in her heart she knew Betty had a role to play. It was not until sleep finally began to overtake her that she decided Larby would stay at the monastery to teach the old priest what he could.
Morning arrived with Jeremy already packed, bringing fresh bread and dried meat for the breaking of the fast. They made reasonably good time with Larby navigating on skis, one of which fitted his wooden peg. As they traveled Heather explained to him and Betty her decision to leave him behind at the monastery. She ended by saying, "The God of the Sacred Water has destined you for a role but we know not yet what that role is. It is essential that you teach those who study the scrolls all that you know so that our knowledge of the enemy can grow."
Larby replied, "I do as you ask."
Heather glanced at Betty who obviously had tears in her eyes but said nothing. She complimented Larby on his speech but had nothing else to add so instead concentrated on her breathing and trying to keep up with those of the Forest. They made good time and it was not too long after sunset on the third day that they arrived at the monastery. The gate was already closed for the night so they headed for the village and food and drink. The mood was much less carefree but still the stories flowed freely. Before dawn Jeremy had them awake and after the morning ritual they presented Larby to the monastery. When advised of
their need, those of the monastery agreed readily and as Larby entered the monastery the young priest came forth to join again with them.
They traveled at a good pace but did not push those not of the Forest too hard. Others of the Forest would appear seemingly out of nowhere and join with them as they traveled to the high country. When they arrived at the old mining camp it was a beehive of activity. They spent but one night at the camp before moving on. In the village of Issip the first spring buds had just started to show, with a few of the protected southern gardens showing the first sprouts of winter crocus poking up through the thinning snow. Here in the high country winter still prevailed, but at least the days were longer. Despite the bleakness of the landscape Heather did not slide back into her despair. Her purpose was well defined and whenever visibility was good enough to actually visualize the landscape, she was evaluating it for possible defense positions. The open plains of this high country offered little comfort or protection but by the same token would limit their enemy's ability to replenish supplies.
The long supply line was definitely the weak point of any attack on the Forest. She needed to capitalize on this weakness. Waiting for the report from those she had sent to the land of those left behind became increasingly difficult. She needed their report to plan. Daniel finally told her, "Worrying helps not. They will arrive when they arrive. The God of the Sacred Water alone knows when this will be."
Heather accepted this mild rebuke from Daniel but when traveling with Betty she asked, "Do the spirits of the Forest speak to you of any others in this forbidding land?"
Betty replied, "I hear nothing but silence and the wind blowing through my mind. I will try to listen harder."
They traveled on in silence concentrating on their breathing and trying to keep up with those of the Forest. It was several days later while confined to their tents by a snowstorm that Betty said, "Some of the Forest are nearby."
Heather wanted more information but Betty had nothing else to add. Even Daniel was unable to calm Heather down; she needed to know more of her enemy. Frustrated, Daniel finally said, "The snowstorm will abate when the God of the Sacred Water decides it to be. Until then we must do as we must do." With that, he rolled over and went back to sleep.
Heather tried to follow his example but her mind was filled with too many thoughts. She knew not how long the storm continued because under their heavy cover of snow the light changed only slightly. When the wind finally died down, Jeremy had them up and moving. It still snowed but without the wind they could track fairly well. Heather wondered about sending out scouts to find those that Betty had heard but before she asked Jeremy she already knew his reply, "Those of the Forest will find us." It was nearing nightfall before the sky began to clear and Heather got her first glimpse of the immense ice field rising in front of them. Despite the oncoming darkness, Jeremy pushed them on until they arrived at the base camp at the foot of the ice cliff.
They were met by those who had gone ahead to explore the route through the lands of those left behind. Heather's joy was evident as much from seeing her companions safe as for the knowledge she hoped they had. The night was cold and they had very little wood, but one small fire was built and they shared their travel rations and their stories. Heather listened, trying to absorb everything, but the fatigue of travel was upon her and she found her attention being interrupted by short episodes of nodding off into sleep. Finally Daniel spoke up, saying "My bride would plan, but it seems that unless she sleeps her planning may be mostly of her dreams."
Morning light found Heather much refreshed and after the morning ritual was completed, she joined those of the Forest for the breaking of the fast. Stan and the other new member from those left behind were busy completing some sort of structure out of blocks of snow. They cut the snow into blocks about one half of a stride wide and piled them up like bricks around the excavation site. Soon they were tapering the walls inward, creating a roof of the same snow blocks. By the time the rest had completed the breaking of the fast and shared a few more stories, the building was completed. They invited Heather and the others to enter through the small doorway. Even Heather had to stoop low to pass into the building but once inside there was enough height for even those of the Forest to stand erect. The bottom row of snow blocks was doubled, creating a wraparound bench for all to sit on. The light from the sun was somehow changed into a gentle blue color. The force of the wind was broken completely and the air even seemed to be warmer inside the building.